Six Nations: England claim Grand Slam in style in France

Ellie Kildunne and Jess Breach scored two tries apiece as the Red Roses claimed the Grand Slam in a spectacular encounter in France.

The reigning world champions eventually ran out 43-28 winners at Bordeaux’s Stade Atlantique, Zoe Harrison kicking 13 points as England made it eight title victories in a row in the Guinness Women’s Six Nations.

And while the pair of outside backs each crossed the whitewash twice, it was the English pack that really shone, tries for Sarah Bern and the outstanding Amy Cokayne fitting reward for their efforts.

Elsewhere on the final day, Ireland put on a show in front of a record crowd at the Aviva Stadium as they beat Scotland 54-5.

And in the day’s opening game, Italy saw off Wales 43-24 in Cardiff in another entertaining affair.

Red Roses show depth on the way to the title

England’s depth was tested like never before but they came through in flying colours to clinch the Grand Slam and make it eight consecutive Guinness Women’s Six Nations titles.

Despite going behind early in Bordeaux, England were able to show their clinical side with four tries in 20 minutes to close out the first half 26-7 to the good, Ellie Kildunne crossing twice as Sarah Bern and Jess Breach also got over.

Still, France fought back and got back to within eight points at 29-21 heading into the final quarter of the game.

It was there that England’s depth showed, the likes of Marlie Packer and Maud Muir making a big impact off the bench and a second try from Saracens flyer Breach finally killed off the French chances.

A back-and-forth affair was sealed with Sale’s Amy Cokayne going over for a well-deserved try in the corner before a final French try.

And the world champions were able to celebrate in style in a Bordeaux carnival atmosphere as they backed up their World Cup success with a Six Nations title for the first time.

Wafer and Hogan shine once again

Ireland women played at the Aviva Stadium in a standalone fixture for the first time and their players delivered in style against Scotland.

From minute one, the home side thrilled the 31,294 in attendance, running in seven first-half tries to lead 47-0.

Exeter Chiefs hooker Claudia Moloney-MacDonald got the ball rolling early on, while Sale Sharks’ Brittany Hogan got the first of her two tries on 14 minutes with Ireland on fire.

Time and again, Aoife Wafer has been a standout for Ireland this campaign, and the Harlequins No.8 was at her bulldozing best, scoring one try on the half-hour after a Moloney-MacDonald burst before finishing with an Ash Splash under the posts to cap off a stellar first half.

The second 40 minutes was much tighter, Hogan with the sole Irish try, while the Scots at least got on the scoreboard through replacement hooker Aicha Sutcliffe in the final play.

Azzurre finish with a flourish

Italy and Wales were evenly matched for 40 minutes of the day’s opening game before Le Azzurre pulled clear on their way to a second victory of the campaign.

Exeter Chiefs winger Francesca Granzotto had crossed early for the visitors but they trailed 19-17 at the break as tries from PWR trio Courtney Keight, Carys Cox and Kelsey Jones had Wales dreaming of a first win.

Those hopes were dashed after the break as Italy pulled away, running in four second-half tries, even with Granzotto spending time in the sin-bin for a tip tackle.

The Welsh did have the final say through Harlequins’ Kayleigh Powell, but Italy were well clear by that point as they wrapped up fourth place in the table.